smit_v the_o carbuncle_n that_o be_v to_o say_v youth_n strength_n and_o power_n of_o man_n and_o than_o lie_v he_o wrap_v in_o darkness_n of_o sin_n â–ª_o in_o which_o darkness_n oftentimes_o he_o die_v therefore_o study_v we_o to_o flee_v the_o world_n and_o his_o desire_n and_o than_o shall_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o win_v everla_a life_n unto_o the_o which_o jesu_n bring_v both_o you_o &_o i_o amen_n in_o rome_n dwell_v sometime_o a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v tytus_fw-la a_o wise_a man_n &_o a_o dyscrete_a which_o ordain_v in_o his_o day_n such_o a_o law_n that_o what_o knight_n die_v in_o his_o empire_n shall_v be_v bury_v in_o his_o armure_n &_o who_o so_o ever_o presume_v to_o spoil_v any_o knight_n armure_v after_o he_o be_v deed_n he_o shall_v dye_v without_o any_o withstand_v or_o gaynsay_n it_o befall_v after_o within_o few_o year_n that_o a_o cyte_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o empire_n be_v besyege_v of_o themperours_n enemy_n wherefore_o that_o cyte_n be_v in_o peryll_n of_o lose_a â–ª_o for_o nâ—ne_n that_o be_v within_o that_o cyte_n may_v not_o defend_v themselves_o by_o no_o manner_n of_o craft_n therefore_o great_a sorrow_n and_o lamentacyon_n be_v make_v through_o out_o all_o y_fw-es e_fw-es cite_v but_o at_o the_o last_o win_v few_o day_n there_o come_v to_o the_o cite_v a_o young_a knight_n and_o a_o fair_a and_o doughty_a to_o do_v dede_n of_o arm_n who_o the_o worthy_a man_n of_o the_o cite_v behold_v &_o understand_v his_o doughtynesâ—â—_n cry_v w_n t_o one_o voice_n o_o thou_o most_o noble_a knight_n we_o beseech_v the_o if_o it_o please_v thy_o worthiness_n to_o help_v we_o now_o at_o our_o most_o need_n 'loo_o you_o may_v so_o this_o cyte_n in_o be_v peryll_n of_o lose_v than_o answer_v he_o &_o say_v 〈◊〉_d you_o not_o sir_n thâ—â—_n i_o have_v none_o armure_v &_o if_o i_o have_v armure_v i_o will_v glad_o defend_v your_o cyte_n this_o â—earing_v a_o mighty_a man_n of_o the_o cyte_n say_v to_o he_o in_o secret_a wise_n sir_n here_o be_v sometime_o &_o doughty_a knight_n which_o now_o be_v deed_n and_o bury_v within_o this_o cite_v acâ—orâ—ding_v to_o the_o law_n &_o if_o it_o please_v you_o to_o take_v his_o armure_n you_o may_v defend_v this_o cite_v &_o delyver_v we_o from_o peryll_n and_o that_o shall_v be_v honour_n unto_o you_o and_o profit_n unto_o all_o the_o empire_n when_o this_o young_a knight_n have_v herd_n this_o he_o go_v to_o the_o grave_n &_o take_v y_o e_o armure_n &_o array_v himself_o therewith_o &_o fight_v myghty_o against_o his_o enemy_n and_o at_o the_o last_o he_o opteyn_v &_o have_v the_o vyctory_n &_o delyver_v y_o e_o cite_v from_o peryll_n and_o when_o he_o have_v so_o do_v he_o put_v the_o armure_n again_o in_o to_o the_o grave_n there_o be_v some_o man_n in_o the_o cite_v that_o have_v great_a indignation_n and_o envy_n at_o he_o because_o he_o have_v opteyn_v the_o vyctory_n and_o accuse_v he_o to_o the_o judge_n say_v thus_o sir_n a_o law_n be_v make_v by_o themperour_n y_z t_z who_o so_o ever_o despoil_v a_o deed_n knight_n of_o his_o armure_n shall_v dye_v this_o young_a knight_n find_v a_o deed_n knight_n &_o take_v away_o his_o armure_n therefore_o we_o beseech_v y_z e_o that_o thou_o proceed_v in_o the_o law_n against_o he_o as_o against_o he_o y_o it_o be_v breker_fw-mi of_o y_fw-fr e_o law_n when_o the_o justyce_n hear_v this_o he_o make_v y_z e_z knight_n to_o be_v take_v &_o to_o be_v bring_v a_o before_o he_o and_o when_o he_o be_v examine_v of_o this_o trespass_n against_o the_o law_n he_o say_v thus_o sir_n it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n â–ª_o that_o of_o two_o harm_n the_o least_fw-mi be_v to_o be_v choose_v it_o be_v not_o unknowen_a to_o you_o that_o this_o cite_v be_v in_o peryll_n to_o be_v lose_v &_o but_o i_o have_v take_v this_o armure_n i_o have_v neither_o save_v you_o ne_o the_o cyte_n therefore_o i_o thynk_v you_o ought_v rather_o to_o honour_v &_o worship_n i_o for_o this_o good_a deed_n that_o i_o have_v do_v than_o thus_o shameful_o to_o reprove_v i_o for_o i_o be_o lead_v as_o he_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v hang_v and_o also_o good_a sir_n a_o other_o reason_n i_o may_v lay_v for_o my_o excuse_n he_z y_z t_z stele_v or_o rob_v violent_o purpose_v not_o to_o restore_v y_z e_o thing_n that_o he_o rob_v but_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o with_o i_o for_o though_o i_o take_v the_o armure_n of_o the_o deed_n knight_n for_o your_o saluacyon_n when_o i_o have_v opteyn_v the_o victory_n i_o bear_v it_o again_o to_o y_z e_z same_o place_n &_o so_o the_o deed_n knight_n have_v that_o be_v he_o by_o the_o law_n than_o say_v the_o justyce_n a_o thief_n that_o breke_v a_o house_n that_o he_o may_v steel_n &_o bear_v away_o such_o as_o he_o may_v find_v &_o though_o he_o bring_v again_o that_o he_o have_v take_v i_o ask_v of_o the_o if_o that_o the_o break_n of_o the_o house_n be_v lawful_a or_o not_o the_o knight_n answer_v sometime_o the_o break_n of_o a_o house_n may_v be_v good_a where_o as_o it_o be_v make_v in_o feeble_a place_n which_o shall_v cause_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o house_n to_o make_v his_o wall_n strong_a that_o the_o thief_n after_o y_z e_z break_v not_o the_o wall_n so_o lyght_o in_o avoid_v of_o more_o harm_n than_o say_v the_o justyce_n if_o the_o break_n of_o the_o house_n be_v good_a nevertheless_o in_o that_o breaking_a violence_n be_v do_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o house_n and_o so_o though_o thou_o do_v good_a with_o the_o armure_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o deed_n knight_n nevertheless_o thou_o do_v wrong_v to_o the_o deed_n knight_n in_o take_v away_o his_o armure_n the_o knight_n say_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o how_o that_o of_o two_o harm_n the_o least_fw-mi be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o that_o harm_n where_o through_o great_a goodness_n come_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v call_v harm_n but_o it_o shall_v rather_o be_v call_v good_a for_o if_o that_o any_o house_n within_o the_o cite_v be_v on_o fire_n &_o begin_v to_o brenne_n it_o be_v more_o better_a to_o throw_v it_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o three_o or_o four_o house_n thereby_o than_o they_o shall_v be_v set_v on_o fire_n also_o whereby_o all_o y_o e_o cyte_n may_v be_v brente_a right_o so_o if_o the_o armure_n oft_o y_a e_o deed_n knight_n have_v not_o be_v take_v the_o cyte_n and_o you_o all_o have_v be_v lose_v and_o when_o the_o justyce_n hear_v y_o it_o he_o answer_v so_o well_o &_o so_o reasonable_o he_o may_v gyve_v no_o judgement_n against_o he_o but_o the_o which_o have_v accuse_v this_o knight_n slay_v he_o for_o who_o death_n there_o be_v great_a weep_v through_o out_o all_o the_o cyte_n &_o his_o body_n be_v worshypful_o bury_v in_o a_o neeâ—_n tombe_fw-fr ¶_o dear_a friend_n this_o emperor_n be_v the_o father_n of_o heaven_n and_o this_o cite_v be_v y_fw-fr e_o world_n the_o which_o be_v besyege_v of_o the_o devyll_n and_o deed_o sin_n and_o as_o many_o as_o be_v within_o this_o cyte_n be_v all_o in_o peryl_n to_o be_v lose_v this_o young_a knight_n that_o come_v to_o the_o cyte_n be_v our_o lord_n jesu_n chryst_n which_o have_v not_o the_o armure_n of_o our_o manhood_n till_o he_o go_v to_o the_o grave_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o the_o womb_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o glorious_a vyrgyn_v mary_n by_o the_o annunciacyon_n of_o the_o angel_n sayinge_v the_o holy_a goost_n shall_v light_v in_o the._n etc._n etc._n lo_o thou_o shall_v conceyve_v &_o bear_v a_o soon_o and_o thus_o in_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o vyrgyn_v he_o take_v the_o armure_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o deed_n knight_n that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o take_v the_o manhood_n of_o adam_n ourfore_o father_n &_o save_v the_o cyte_n that_o be_v the_o world_n with_o mankind_n from_o peryll_n by_o his_o bless_a passion_n which_o he_o suffer_v on_o the_o cross_n &_o than_o he_o put_v his_o armure_n again_o in_o to_z y_z e_z grave_n when_o his_o bless_a body_n be_v bury_v but_o y_z e_z cytezyn_n envy_a he_o that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o jew_n of_o jury_n accuse_v he_o to_o pilot_n and_o lay_v the_o law_n against_o he_o say_v if_o thou_o suffer_v he_o thus_o thou_o be_v not_o the_o emperor_n caesar_n friend_n we_o have_v a_o law_n &_o after_o y_o e_o law_n he_o ought_v to_o dye_v and_o thus_o our_o lord_n jesu_n chryst_n of_o his_o enemy_n be_v condemn_v to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n &_o after_o ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n where_o our_o lord_n jesu_n bring_v we_o all_o amen_n there_o regn_v sometime_o in_o rome_n a_o mighty_a emperor_n and_o a_o wyse_v name_v betolde_v which_o ordain_v a_o law_n that_o what_o woman_n be_v take_v in_o anoutry_n her_o husband_n be_v alyve_a she_o
anon_o you_o e_o young_a squyer_n receyve_v they_o glad_o and_o put_v they_o sure_o in_o a_o box_n and_o ride_v forth_o on_o his_o journey_n when_o he_o have_v rydden_v three_o or_o four_o day_n on_o his_o journey_n in_o a_o evening_a he_o come_v unto_o a_o castle_n where_o as_o dwell_v a_o knight_n and_o pray_v he_o meke_o of_o a_o night_n lode_v the_o knight_n sing_v and_o behold_v the_o good_a favour_n of_o this_o young_a squyer_n he_o grant_v he_o lodge_a &_o make_v he_o good_a cheer_n and_o well_o to_o fare_v and_o afterward_o bring_v he_o unto_o his_o chambre_n and_o when_o he_o be_v there_o he_o go_v to_o bed_v and_o anon_o fall_v on_o sleep_v for_o he_o be_v full_a weary_a of_o his_o journey_n and_o forget_v his_o box_n with_o the_o letter_n lyenge_a open_o in_o his_o chambre_n when_o the_o knight_n see_v the_o box_n he_o open_v it_o &_o find_v the_o letter_n seal_v with_o the_o emperor_n sign_n manuel_n and_o be_v great_o tempt_v to_o open_v they_o and_o at_o the_o last_o he_o open_v they_o full_a subtylly_a and_o than_o he_o read_v how_o the_o empress_n upon_o pain_n of_o dethe_v shall_v put_v the_o bearer_n of_o they_o to_o dethe_v and_o than_o he_o be_v right_a sorrowful_a &_o say_v within_o himself_o alas_o quoth_v he_o it_o be_v great_a pyte_n to_o slay_v such_o a_o fair_a young_a man_n and_o therefore_o if_o i_o may_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o and_o anon_o the_o knight_n scrape_v away_o that_o writing_a and_o write_v in_o y_z e_z same_z paper_z a_o letter_n sayinge_v these_o word_n upon_o pain_n of_o death_n i_o command_v the_o that_o thou_o take_v the_o young_a squyer_n bearer_n of_o these_o letter_n and_o let_v he_o be_v wed_v without_o any_o delay_v unto_o my_o daughter_n and_o you_o with_o all_o the_o honour_n &_o solempnyte_n that_o can_v be_v teach_v and_o when_o they_o be_v wed_v that_o you_o take_v he_o as_o your_o own_o soon_o and_o that_o he_o keep_v my_o room_n till_o i_o come_v unto_o you_o myself_o when_o the_o knight_n have_v thus_o write_v he_o close_v the_o letter_n subtylly_a &_o put_v they_o in_o to_o the_o box_n again_o er_o in_o the_o morning_n the_o young_a squyer_n arise_v and_o hasty_o make_v he_o ready_a and_o take_v his_o leave_n of_o the_o knight_n and_o ride_v forth_o on_o his_o journey_n and_o the_o three_o day_n after_o he_o come_v unto_o the_o empress_n and_o salew_v her_o right_a worshypful_o in_o the_o emperor_n behalf_n and_o take_v she_o the_o letter_n and_o when_o the_o empress_n have_v read_v they_o anon_o she_o send_v her_o messenger_n through_o the_o country_n command_v the_o state_n and_o gentylman_n to_o comme_fw-fr unto_o her_o doughter_n wed_v at_o a_o certain_a day_n assign_v when_o they_o day_n be_v come_v thyder_n come_v many_o great_a lord_n and_o lady_n and_o anon_o this_o young_a squyer_n wed_v the_o emperor_n daughter_n with_o great_a honour_n and_o worship_n accord_v to_o the_o tenoure_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o be_v right_a well_o belove_a and_o moo_v honour_v among_o y_o e_o people_n not_o long_o after_o it_o befall_v that_o the_o emperor_n come_v in_o to_o that_o country_n and_o when_o y_a e_o empress_n hear_v of_o her_o lord_n come_v she_o take_v with_o she_o her_o soon_o in_o law_n with_o moche_n other_o people_n and_o go_v against_o y_o e_o emperor_n for_o to_o welcomme_v he_o when_o the_o emperor_n see_v this_o young_a squyer_n lede_a the_o empress_n his_o wife_n he_o be_v great_o move_v within_o himself_o and_o say_v o_o thou_o curse_a woman_n because_o thou_o have_v not_o fulfyl_v my_o commandment_n thou_o shall_v dye_v a_o evyll_n death_n a_o my_o dear_a lord_n quoth_v she_o all_o that_o you_o command_v i_o to_o do_v i_o have_v fulfyl_v nay_o curse_a 〈◊〉_d man_n say_v the_o emperor_n it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o i_o write_v to_o the_o that_o thou_o shall_v put_v he_o to_o death_n and_o now_o i_o see_v he_o alyve_a my_o lord_n quoth_v y_o e_fw-la empress_n save_v your_o grace_n you_o write_v to_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v gyve_v he_o your_o daughter_n to_o wife_n and_o that_o on_o pain_n of_o death_n in_o wytnes_n whereof_o loo_n here_o your_o letter_n with_o your_o own_o seal_n manuel_n when_o the_o emperor_n hear_v this_o he_o wonder_v great_o and_o say_v be_v he_o wed_v than_o to_o my_o daughter_n you_o soth_o say_v the_o empress_n long_o ago_o which_o it_o great_a solempnite_a and_o worship_n and_o as_o i_o byleve_v your_o daughter_n be_v with_o child_n than_o say_v the_o emperor_n o_o thou_o lord_n jesu_n chryst_n it_o be_v great_a folly_n to_o sâ—â—yne_v against_o thy_o ordinance_n therefore_o since_o it_o be_v so_o thy_o will_n must_v needs_o be_v fulfyl_v and_o with_o that_o he_o take_v his_o soon_o in_o law_n in_o his_o arm_n &_o kyss_v he_o which_o after_o his_o death_n be_v emperor_n and_o end_v his_o life_n in_o rest_n and_o peace_n ¶_o this_o emperor_n may_v betoken_v herode_fw-la or_o else_o every_o sinner_n which_o walk_v alone_o without_o troth_n till_o he_o come_v to_o the_o foster_v house_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o chyrche_n which_o be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n this_o herode_fw-la will_v have_v slay_v this_o child_n jesu_n wherefore_o he_o send_v messenger_n to_o seek_v he_o accord_v to_o the_o scrypture_n of_o saint_n mathewe_n tell_v how_o he_o command_v you_o e_o three_o king_n to_o seek_v he_o and_o bring_v he_o tydynge_n again_o where_o he_o be_v you_o to_o he_o may_v come_v &_o worship_n he_o also_o but_o this_o say_v he_o not_o for_o love_n but_o for_o deceit_n the_o foster_n betoken_v josep_n our_o lady_n husband_n which_o keep_v he_o but_o when_o the_o messenger_n come_v that_o be_v to_o say_v when_o the_o three_o king_n come_v they_o slay_v he_o not_o but_o worshyp_v he_o on_o their_o knee_n and_o leave_v he_o in_o the_o holowe_v tree_n of_o he_o godhede_v the_o earl_n that_o come_v &_o foude_v this_o child_n betoken_v the_o holy_a goost_n which_o warn_v joseph_n by_o the_o angel_n in_o his_o sleep_v that_o he_o shall_v take_v our_o lady_n and_o she_o soon_o and_o flee_v in_o to_o the_o land_n of_o egypte_n this_o moralyte_n may_v be_v understande_v of_o your_o wyâ—e_n this_o emperor_n may_v betoken_v a_o sinner_n that_o walk_v in_o the_o forest_n of_o this_o world_n seek_v vanytee_n and_o nought_o else_o unto_o the_o time_n he_o come_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o there_o he_o be_v receyve_v benygne_o of_o the_o prelate_n of_o the_o chyrche_n if_o he_o will_v obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n but_o many_o of_o we_o now_o a_o day_n slepe_v in_o the_o chyrche_n when_o they_o observe_v not_o the_o werke_n of_o mercy_n and_o therefore_o ought_v they_o to_o drede_v the_o voice_n which_o i_o have_v rehearse_v by_o y_z e_z first_o take_v that_o may_v be_v understande_v the_o great_a benefit_n that_o he_o give_v the_o when_o he_o put_v in_o the_o a_o soul_n make_v at_o his_o own_o symylytude_n by_o the_o second_o take_v be_v understande_v the_o soon_o of_o the_o father_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o bless_a virgyn_v mary_n by_o the_o three_o take_v be_v understande_v the_o same_o soon_o of_o god_n which_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n by_o the_o first_o yield_v be_v understande_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o yield_v our_o soul_n unto_o almyghty_a god_n as_o clean_a &_o as_o fair_a as_o he_o give_v it_o we_o after_o the_o washing_n of_o our_o baptysme_n by_o the_o second_o yield_v be_v understande_v that_o we_o ought_v daily_o to_o yield_v honour_n and_o worship_n and_o love_n unto_o almyghty_a god_n by_o y_fw-fr e_fw-la three_o yield_v be_v understande_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o yield_v to_o god_n true_a confessyon_n contrycyon_n and_o satisfaccyon_n the_o first_o flee_v betoken_v sin_n which_o we_o shall_v flee_v the_o second_o flee_v betoken_v the_o world_n which_o we_o shall_v flee_v for_o the_o great_a falshede_v &_o temptacyon_n that_o be_v therein_o the_o three_o flee_v betoken_v everla_a pain_n the_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o flee_v through_o merytoryous_a work_n by_o the_o which_o we_o may_v come_v the_o rather_o unto_o everlasting_a joy_n and_o bliss_n unto_o the_o which_o bring_v we_o our_o lord_n jesus_n amen_n there_o dwell_v sometime_o in_o rome_n a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v sauracinus_fw-la which_o ordain_v for_o a_o law_n that_o who_o so_o ever_o ravyssh_v a_o virgyn_v shall_v dye_v &_o if_o she_o be_v rescow_v than_o he_o that_o rescow_v she_o shall_v have_v she_o to_o wife_n if_o he_o list_v and_o he_o will_v not_o wed_v she_o than_o shall_v she_o be_v guide_v and_o wed_v by_o his_o counseyle_n it_o befall_v upon_o a_o day_n that_o a_o tyrant_n name_v poncianus_fw-la will_v ravysshe_v a_o virgyn_v &_o lead_v she_o with_o he_o into_o a_o
reason_n for_o it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o stryve_v go_v we_o there_o unto_o he_o &_o everyche_a of_o we_o lay_v his_o right_a before_o he_o and_o like_v as_o he_o will_v judge_v let_v we_o stand_v to_o his_o judgement_n than_o say_v his_o brother_n this_o counseyle_n be_v good_a wherefore_o they_o go_v all_o three_o unto_o the_o king_n of_o reason_n &_o everyche_a of_o they_o syngular_o show_v forth_o his_o right_a unto_o he_o like_v as_o it_o be_v say_v before_o when_o y_a e_o king_n have_v â—erde_v their_o tytel_n he_o rehearse_v they_o all_o again_o â—yngularly_o first_o sayenge_a to_o the_o elder_a soon_o thus_o thou_o say_v for_o the_o quoth_v the_o king_n that_o thy_o father_n give_v the_o all_o that_o be_v under_o the_o earth_n &_o above_o the_o earth_n of_o the_o say_a tree_n and_o to_o the_o second_o brother_n he_o bequeath_v all_o that_o be_v in_o breed_n length_n &_o depnes_n of_o that_o tree_n and_o to_o the_o three_o brother_n he_o give_v all_o that_o be_v wete_z &_o dry_v and_o with_o that_o he_o lay_v the_o law_n for_o they_o and_o say_v that_o the_o last_o will_n ought_v to_o stand_v now_o my_o dear_a son_n brief_o i_o shall_v satisfy_v all_o your_o reason_n and_o when_o he_o have_v thus_o say_v he_o turn_v he_o unto_o you_o e_o elder_a brother_n sayinge_v thus_o my_o deer_n soon_o if_o the_o list_v to_o abide_v y_z e_o judgement_n of_o right_a the_o behove_v to_o be_v let_v blood_n of_o the_o right_a arm_n my_o lord_n quoth_v he_o your_o will_n shall_v be_v do_v than_o call_v the_o king_n forth_o a_o dyscrete_a physycyon_n command_v he_o to_o let_v he_o blood_n when_o the_o elder_a soon_o be_v thus_o let_v blood_n the_o king_n say_v to_o they_o all_o three_o my_o dear_a son_n quoth_v he_o where_o be_v your_o father_n bury_v than_o answer_v they_o &_o say_v forsooth_o my_o lord_n in_o such_o a_o place_n anon_o the_o king_n command_v to_o delve_v up_o the_o body_n and_o to_o draw_v out_o a_o bone_n of_o his_o breast_n &_o to_o bury_v the_o body_n again_o &_o so_o it_o be_v do_v and_o when_o the_o bone_n be_v draw_v out_o the_o king_n command_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o elder_a brother_n &_o that_o it_o shall_v lie_v till_o it_o have_v receyve_v kind_o the_o blood_n &_o than_o to_o be_v lay_v in_o y_z e_z son_n &_o dry_a &_o after_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v wasshen_n with_o clear_a water_n his_o servant_n fulfyl_v all_o that_o he_o command_v and_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o wasshe_v the_o blood_n vanyssh_v clean_o away_o when_o the_o king_n see_v this_o he_o say_v to_o the_o second_o soon_o it_o behove_v y_o it_o thou_o be_v let_v blood_n as_o thy_o brother_n be_v than_o say_v he_o my_o lord_n thy_o will_n shall_v be_v fulfyl_v &_o anon_o he_o be_v serve_v like_o as_o his_o brother_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n &_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o wasshe_v the_o bone_n the_o blood_n vanyssh_v away_o than_o say_v the_o king_n to_o the_o three_o soon_o my_o dear_a child_n it_o behove_v the_o also_o to_o be_v let_v blood_n he_o answer_v &_o say_v my_o lord_n it_o please_v i_o well_o so_o to_o be_v when_o y_fw-fr e_fw-es young_a brother_n be_v let_v blood_n &_o serve_v in_o all_o thing_n like_o as_o his_o two_o brother_n be_v serve_v before_o when_o y_a e_o king_n servant_n begin_v to_o wasshe_v y_z e_o bone_n they_o may_v neither_o for_o washing_n ne_fw-fr for_o freting_a do_v away_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o bone_n but_o ever_o it_o appear_v bloody_a when_o the_o king_n see_v this_o he_o say_v it_o appear_v open_o y_o it_o this_o blood_n without_o doubt_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o bone_n thou_o be_v his_o true_a soon_o and_o these_o other_o two_o be_v bastard_n i_o gyve_v to_o the_o that_o tree_n for_o evermore_o ¶_o dear_a friend_n this_o emperor_n be_v our_o lord_n jesu_n chry_v which_o bear_v a_o shield_v of_o silver_n with_o fyve_o reed_n rose_n that_o be_v ta_fw-mi say_v his_o body_n that_o be_v so_o fair_a so_o clear_a &_o more_o radiant_a than_o any_o silver_n according_a w_n t_o psalmist_n sayinge_v thus_o speciosus_fw-la forma_fw-la pre_fw-la filijs_fw-la hominum_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o be_v more_o specyall_a &_o fair_a of_o shape_n than_o all_o y_z e_z child_n of_o man_n by_o these_o u_o rose_n we_o understande_v his_o fyve_o wound_n which_o he_o suffer_v for_o mankind_n and_o by_o the_o king_n of_o egypte_n we_o understande_v the_o devyll_n against_o who_o he_o fight_v all_o the_o time_n of_o his_o life_n &_o at_o the_o last_o he_o be_v slay_v for_o mankind_n nevertheless_o before_o his_o death_n he_o make_v his_o testament_n to_o his_o three_o son_n by_o the_o first_o to_o who_o he_o give_v of_o the_o tree_n all_o that_o be_v under_o y_o e_o earth_n &_o above_o we_o shall_v understande_v the_o mighty_a man_n &_o state_n of_o this_o world_n to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v power_n in_o earth_n in_o water_n and_o in_o air_n so_o that_o they_o be_v obedyent_n at_o their_o will_n &_o all_o thing_n under_o heaven_n by_o the_o second_o soon_o to_o who_o he_o give_v you_o e_o tree_n in_o length_n breed_n &_o depnes_n we_o may_v understande_v the_o wytty_n man_n of_o this_o world_n as_o justyce_n attorney_n and_o man_n of_o law_n these_o man_n have_v power_n in_o length_n breed_n &_o depnes_n upon_o gentylman_n of_o middle_a degree_n and_o upon_o poor_a man_n they_o to_o deem_v &_o judge_v as_o they_o list_v by_o y_fw-fr e_fw-la three_o soon_o to_o who_o he_o give_v all_o that_o be_v wete_z &_o dry_v of_o the_o tree_n we_o shall_v understande_v good_a chrysten_v man_n which_o have_v &_o suffer_v both_o weet_v a_o dry_a that_o be_v to_o say_v now_o poverte_a now_o trouble_n now_o solace_n now_o care_n now_o cold_a now_o hete_n and_o all_o this_o they_o receyve_v of_o god_n thankful_o to_o have_v this_o noble_a tree_n y_o it_o be_v thus_o bequeath_v they_o this_o tree_n be_v the_o tree_n of_o paradyse_n y_o it_o be_v to_o say_v everlasting_a iaye_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v give_v to_o we_o all_o if_o we_o will_v take_v it_o thankful_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v heaven_n in_o dyverse_a wise_n &_o not_o equal_o for_o some_o have_v more_o &_o some_o have_v less_o after_o their_o meryte_n this_o notwithstanding_o every_o man_n opteyn_v not_o therefore_o it_o behove_v they_o to_o go_v unto_o y_fw-fr e_fw-la king_n of_o reason_n that_o be_v to_o say_v unto_o the_o father_n of_o heaven_n that_o know_v all_o thing_n or_o they_o be_v make_v the_o first_o soon_o be_v let_v blood_n and_o in_o his_o blood_n the_o bone_n be_v wrap_v by_o this_o blood_n we_o shall_v understande_v our_o merytoryous_a dede_n &_o by_o the_o white_a &_o hevy_a alm_n deed_n which_o be_v full_a hevy_a to_o they_o that_o gyve_v alm_n nevertheless_o it_o make_v the_o soul_n white_a wherefore_o when_o these_o mighty_a man_n gyve_v alm_n or_o do_v a_o merytoryous_a deed_n though_o it_o be_v make_v dry_a &_o stablyssh_v with_o the_o son_n &_o by_o the_o wound_n of_o dyvyne_a predicacyon_n nevertheless_o when_o the_o water_n of_o pride_n envy_n wrath_n &_o such_o other_o all_o the_o merytoryous_a dede_n do_v before_o be_v bring_v to_o nought_o &_o the_o blood_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o alm_n dede_n by_o y_z e_z which_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o everla_a life_n begyn_v to_o vanysshe_v away_o for_o why_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o that_o offend_v in_o one_o sin_n be_v guilty_a in_o all_o this_o blood_n letter_n which_o let_v they_o blood_n be_v a_o discrete_a confessor_n though_o the_o mighty_a man_n of_o this_o world_n do_v good_a dede_n &_o fulfil_v their_o penance_n nevertheless_o when_o the_o water_n of_o covetyse_n that_o be_v to_o say_v when_o the_o purse_n be_v full_a of_o money_n anon_o they_o gyve_v true_a judgement_n against_o who_o it_o be_v write_v thus_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o folly_n afore_o god_n and_o against_o the_o mighty_a man_n of_o this_o world_n speak_v holy_a scrypture_n and_o say_v where_o be_v those_o mighty_a man_n which_o be_v praise_v among_o the_o bird_n of_o heaven_n eat_v and_o drink_v and_o often_o descend_v to_o hell_n the_o three_o soon_o of_o this_o emperor_n be_v a_o good_a chrysten_v man_n which_o all_o the_o time_n of_o his_o life_n do_v good_a dede_n &_o live_v without_o pride_n envy_n and_o lechery_n from_o the_o bone_n of_o such_o a_o man_n the_o blood_n may_v not_o be_v wasshen_n away_o that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o merytoryous_a dede_n may_v not_o be_v put_v away_o from_o penance_n such_o a_o man_n be_v y_z e_z true_a child_n of_o god_n of_o who_o our_o lord_n speak_v thus_o you_o the_o which_o have_v
and_o his_o soul_n shall_v be_v delyver_v from_o sin_n and_o by_o all_o right_a he_o shall_v have_v everlasting_a life_n unto_o the_o which_o bring_v we_o our_o lord_n jesus_n sometime_o there_o regn_v in_o rome_n a_o mighty_a emperor_n and_o a_o wise_n name_v frederyke_v which_o have_v a_o only_a soon_o who_o he_o love_v moche_n this_o emperor_n when_o he_o lie_v at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n he_o call_v unto_o he_o his_o soon_o &_o say_v there_o soon_o i_o have_v a_o ball_n of_o gold_n which_o i_o gyve_v the_o upon_o my_o blessing_n that_o thou_o anon_o after_o my_o death_n shall_v gyve_v it_o to_o the_o moo_v fool_n that_o thou_o may_v find_v than_o say_v his_o soon_o my_o lord_n wothout_n doubt_n your_o will_n shall_v be_v fulfyl_v anon_o this_o young_a lord_n after_o the_o death_n of_o his_o father_n go_v &_o seek_v in_o many_o realm_n &_o find_v many_o recheles_a fool_n because_o he_o will_v satysfye_v his_o father_n will_n labour_v far_o till_o he_o come_v in_o to_o a_o realm_n where_o the_o law_n be_v such_o that_o every_o year_n a_o new_a king_n be_v choose_v there_o &_o this_o king_n have_v only_o the_o guide_n of_o y_z e_z realm_n but_o a_o year_n &_o at_o the_o year_n end_n he_o be_v depose_v &_o put_v in_o exile_n in_o a_o ylande_n where_o as_o he_o shall_v wretched_o fynysshe_v his_o life_n when_o themperour_n soon_o come_v to_o this_o realm_n the_o new_a king_n be_v choose_v with_o it_o great_a honour_n &_o all_o manner_n of_o mynstralsye_n go_v afore_o he_o &_o bring_v he_o with_o great_a reverence_n and_o worship_n unto_o his_o regal_a sete_n and_o when_o the_o emperor_n soon_o see_v that_o he_o come_v unto_o he_o and_o salew_v he_o reverent_o &_o say_v my_o lord_n loo_n i_o gyve_v the_o this_o ball_n of_o gold_n on_o my_o father_n behalf_n than_o say_v he_o i_o pray_v the_o tell_v i_o the_o cause_n why_o thou_o gyve_v i_o this_o ball_n than_o answer_v this_o young_a lord_n and_o say_v my_o father_n charge_v i_o in_o his_o death_n bed_n upon_o pain_n of_o forfeyt_v of_o his_o bless_v that_o i_o shall_v gyve_v this_o ball_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o moost_n fool_n y_fw-fr e_o i_o coude_fw-fr find_v wherefore_o i_o have_v seek_v many_o realm_n &_o have_v find_v many_o fool_n nevertheless_o a_o more_o fool_n than_o thou_o be_v find_v i_o never_o &_o therefore_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n it_o be_v not_o unknowen_a to_o the_o that_o thou_o shall_v regne_fw-la but_o a_o year_n and_o at_o the_o year_n end_n thou_o shall_v be_v exile_v into_o such_o a_o place_n where_o as_o thou_o shall_v dye_v a_o myschevous_a death_n wherefore_o i_o hold_v the_o for_o the_o moo_v fool_n that_o ever_o i_o find_v that_o for_o the_o lordship_n of_o a_o year_n thou_o will_v so_o wilful_o less_o thyself_o &_o therefore_o before_o all_o other_o i_o have_v give_v to_o the_o this_o ball_n of_o gold_n than_o say_v the_o king_n without_o doubt_n thou_o say_v sothe_o and_o therefore_o when_o i_o be_o in_o full_a power_n of_o this_o realm_n i_o shall_v send_v before_o i_o great_a treasoure_n and_o rychesse_n wherwyth_o i_o may_v live_v and_o save_v myself_o from_o my_o schevous_a death_n when_o i_o shall_v be_v exile_v &_o put_v down_o and_o so_o this_o be_v do_v wherefore_o at_o the_o year_n end_n he_o be_v exile_v &_o live_v there_o in_o peace_n upon_o such_o good_n as_o he_o have_v send_v before_o and_o he_o die_v afterward_o a_o good_a death_n ¶_o dear_a friend_n this_o emperor_n be_v the_o father_n of_o heaven_n the_o which_o byquethe_v the_o ball_n that_o be_v to_o say_v worldly_a rychesse_n to_o fool_n and_o ydyotte_n which_o savour_v no_o thing_n but_o that_o be_v erthly_a this_o emperor_n soon_o that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o precher_n and_o a_o discrete_a confessor_n search_v about_o many_o realm_n &_o land_n to_o show_v to_o mysbyleve_a man_n &_o fool_n their_o peryll_n the_o realm_n wherein_o no_o king_n may_v regne_fw-la but_o a_o year_n be_v this_o world_n for_o who_o so_o have_v live_v a_o hondred_a year_n when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o death_n he_o shall_v seem_v that_o he_o have_v live_v but_o the_o space_n of_o a_o hour_n therefore_o do_v as_o the_o king_n do_v while_o that_o you_o be_v in_o power_n of_o life_n send_v before_o you_o your_o treasour_n that_o be_v to_o say_v alm_n deed_n &_o other_o merytoryu_v dede_n &_o certain_o when_o you_o be_v put_v in_o exile_n out_o of_o this_o world_n you_o shall_v live_v in_o peace_n &_o shall_v find_v y_z e_o mercy_n of_o god_n plentefull_a whereby_o you_o shall_v optayne_n everla_a life_n unto_o the_o which_o bring_v we_o he_o that_o for_o we_o die_v on_o the_o road_n tree_n amen_n dioclesyan_a regn_v in_o the_o cyte_n of_o rome_n in_o who_o empire_n dwell_v a_o noble_a philosopher_n y_z e_z which_o let_v up_o by_o his_o craft_n a_o image_n in_o the_o mydde_v of_o yeâ—ite_v of_o rome_n the_o which_o image_n stretch_v out_o his_o arm_n &_o his_o forme_v fynger_n whereupon_o stand_v this_o posy_n write_v in_o latyn_a percute_fw-la hic_fw-la smite_n here_o this_o image_n after_o the_o death_n of_o this_o philosopher_n stand_v still_o a_o long_a time_n &_o many_o great_a clerk_n come_v thyder_n for_o to_o rede_n the_o superscripcyon_n that_o be_v on_o y_z e_z fynger_v but_o none_o of_o they_o understode_v what_o it_o ment_fw-la wherefore_o there_o be_v great_a wonder_v among_o the_o people_n and_o at_o the_o last_o a_o long_a time_n after_o there_o come_v a_o strange_a clerk_n out_o of_o far_o countree_n &_o when_o he_o see_v this_o image_n he_o red_a y_o e_o scripture_n smite_n here_o and_o than_o upon_o a_o day_n when_o he_o see_v the_o shadow_n of_o the_o hand_n he_o take_v a_o mattock_n &_o break_v up_o y_o e_o ground_n under_o the_o hand_n where_o the_o shadow_n be_v accord_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o superscripcyon_n &_o anon_o he_o find_v a_o house_n all_o of_o marble_n undernethe_v the_o grovode_n wherein_o he_o enter_v &_o come_v in_o to_o a_o hall_n where_o he_o find_v so_o moche_n rychesse_n so_o many_o yewelle_n and_o so_o great_a meruayle_n that_o he_o never_o see_v ne_o hear_v of_o such_o nor_o so_o many_o before_o that_o tyme._n at_o y_fw-fr e_fw-la last_o he_o see_v a_o board_n cover_v and_o all_o manner_n of_o thing_n necessary_a thereto_o set_v there_o upon_o he_o be_v hold_v far_a and_o see_v a_o carbuncle_n in_o a_o wall_n that_o lyghten_v all_o y_o e_o house_n and_o anent_o this_o carbuncle_n on_o that_o other_o side_n stand_v a_o man_n hold_v in_o his_o hand_n a_o bow_n with_o a_o arowe_n ready_a to_o shote_v the_o clerk_n merualled_a moche_n when_o be_v see_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o think_v in_o himself_o if_o that_o i_o tâ—ll_v this_o forth_o there_o will_v no_o man_n byleve_v i_o &_o therefore_o i_o will_v have_v somewhat_o of_o these_o good_n in_o token_n of_o proof_n and_o with_o that_o he_o see_v a_o knife_n of_o gold_n upon_o y_o e_o board_n which_o he_o take_v &_o will_v have_v put_v it_o in_o his_o bosom_n but_o anon_o the_o archer_n smite_v the_o carbuncle_n and_o break_v it_o wherwyth_o all_o the_o hole_n house_n be_v shadow_v &_o make_v dark_a and_o when_o y_a e_o clerk_n perceyve_v it_o he_o weep_v more_o bytter_o than_o any_o man_n may_v think_v for_o he_o wist_v not_o by_o what_o way_n he_o may_v go_v out_o for_o as_o moche_v as_o the_o house_n be_v make_v dark_a through_o the_o break_n of_o the_o carbuncle_n and_o that_o darkness_n abide_v still_o for_o evermore_o after_o and_o so_o fynissh_v the_o clerk_n his_o life_n there_o in_o that_o darkness_n ¶_o dear_a friend_n this_o image_n so_o stand_v be_v the_o devyll_n which_o say_v evermore_o smite_n here_o that_o be_v to_o say_v take_v heed_n to_o erthly_a rycheâ—se_n &_o not_o to_o heavenly_a treasour_n this_o clerk_n that_o smite_v with_o the_o mattock_n betoken_v the_o wise_a man_n of_o this_o world_n as_o pleder_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o law_n attorney_n and_o other_o worldly_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v smyte_v what_o by_o right_a &_o what_o by_o wrong_n so_o y_z t_z they_o may_v gete_v the_o vanytee_n of_o this_o world_n &_o in_o their_o smyte_a they_o find_v great_a wonder_n &_o meruayle_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o find_v therein_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o many_o man_n rejoice_v the_o carbuncle_n that_o gyve_v light_v be_v the_o youth_n of_o man_n which_o gyve_v hardynes_n to_o take_v their_o pleasure_n in_o worldly_a rychesse_n the_o archer_n w_o t_o his_o arowe_n be_v death_n which_o lay_v watch_n anent_o man_n to_o slay_v he_o the_o clerk_n that_o take_v up_o y_o e_o knife_n be_v every_o worldly_a man_n that_o wen_v ever_o to_o have_v all_o thing_n at_o his_o will_n death_n
my_o trespass_n that_o i_o have_v do_v against_o themperours_n commandment_n he_o be_v my_o lord_n &_o mercyable_a therefore_o better_o it_o be_v that_o i_o go_v &_o mete_v w_n to_o he_o with_o all_o honour_n &_o humylyte_n &_o accuse_v myself_o to_o he_o &_o ask_v he_o mercy_n than_o any_o other_o shall_v go_v before_o to_o accuse_v i_o to_o my_o lord_n of_o my_o treason_n than_o this_o steward_n anon_o do_v of_o all_o his_o clothes_n save_o his_o breach_n &_o his_o sherte_n and_o take_v three_o rope_n wish_v he_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o bare_a foot_n go_v &_o meet_v the_o emperor_n but_o when_o themperour_n have_v espy_v he_o come_v a_o far_o in_o such_o a_o wise_n he_o wonder_v great_o and_o when_o the_o steward_n be_v come_v so_o never_o that_o he_o may_v speak_v to_o themperour_n he_o fall_v down_o on_o his_o knee_n &_o salew_v he_o reverent_o than_o say_v y_o e_o emperor_n what_o be_v befall_v y_o e_o that_o thou_o mete_v i_o in_o this_o array_n for_o as_o moche_v as_o y_z e_z art_n my_o steward_n thou_o shall_v have_v meet_v i_o which_o it_o a_o great_a company_n of_o knight_n a_o my_o lord_n quoth_v he_o there_o be_v befall_v i_o a_o hevy_a case_n for_o the_o which_o it_o behove_v i_o thus_o to_o mete_v your_o highness_n than_o say_v themperour_n what_o case_n be_v that_o that_o be_v befall_v the._n my_o reverend_a lord_n quoth_v he_o it_o behove_v first_o your_o highness_n to_o ask_v of_o i_o why_o i_o bring_v w_n to_o i_o these_o three_o rope_n than_o say_v themperour_n why_o bear_v thou_o these_o three_o rope_n in_o thy_o hand_n in_o such_o a_o wise_n than_o answer_v this_o woeful_a steward_n &_o say_v this_o first_o cord_n i_o bring_v with_o i_o to_o bind_v my_o hand_n &_o foot_n so_o hard_a till_o the_o blood_n breast_n out_o on_o every_o side_n for_o y_z t_z i_o have_v well_o deserve_v the_o second_o rope_n i_o bring_v with_o i_o â—o_o draw_v i_o by_o horse_n tail_n upon_o y_o e_o pavement_n till_o that_o my_o bone_n the_o bare_a without_o flesh_n for_o that_o shall_v profit_n i_o for_o the_o great_a treason_n y_fw-fr t_o i_o have_v do_v against_o you_o the_o three_o rope_n y_o it_o i_o have_v bring_v be_v to_o hang_v i_o w_z t_z upon_o a_o high_a galous_a so_o long_o that_o the_o bird_n light_v on_o my_o heed_n &_o on_o my_o body_n &_o feed_v themselves_o of_o my_o flesh_n &_o these_o thing_n ben_fw-mi due_a to_o such_o trespacer_n &_o breker_n of_o the_o law_n as_o i_o be_o &_o therefore_o my_o reverend_a lord_n have_v mercy_n on_o i_o for_o i_o dare_v not_o knowledge_n my_o trespass_n till_o i_o be_v certain_a of_o thy_o mercy_n &_o pyte_n than_o say_v themperour_n i_o see_v in_o the_o great_a mekenes_n &_o contrition_n therefore_o tell_v forth_o thy_o trespass_n &_o soth_o y_fw-mi u._fw-mi shall_v find_v mercy_n &_o grace_n alas_o alas_o than_o say_v he_o i_o have_v defoul_v thy_o daughter_n &_o put_v she_o out_o of_o thy_o palay_n &_o now_o for_o great_a defaute_n she_o beg_v she_o breed_v from_o door_n to_o door_n i_o have_v also_o despoil_v thy_o knight_n of_o all_o their_o good_n &_o now_o some_o of_o they_o for_o defaute_n of_o good_n be_v thief_n &_o some_o manqueller_n &_o the_o master_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o knight_n i_o have_v slay_v but_o i_o have_v feed_v thy_o greyhounde_n w_o t_o the_o best_a as_o long_o as_o i_o may_v and_o tie_v he_o with_o a_o chain_n but_o at_o y_z e_z last_z he_o break_v his_o â—hayne_n &_o go_v his_o way_n so_o y_z t_z now_o he_o ren_v about_o in_o the_o country_n when_o themperour_n hear_v this_o he_o be_v sore_o astony_v &_o say_v have_v thou_o defoul_v my_o daughter_n who_o i_o love_v so_o well_o &_o also_o exile_v my_o knight_n and_o slay_v their_o master_n &_o the_o greyhounde_n which_o i_o love_v best_a of_o who_o i_o give_v the_o charge_n be_v go_v also_o soth_o be_v it_o not_o that_o i_o have_v forgyven_v it_o the_o &_o that_o y_z e_z meke_v thyself_o so_o great_o i_o shall_v put_v the_o to_o the_o moost_n vyle_v death_n that_o coude_fw-fr be_v thought_n therefore_o go_v thou_o anon_o &_o bring_v again_o my_o daughter_n than_o may_v thou_o wed_v she_o and_o if_o any_o harm_v here_o after_o befall_v to_o she_o in_o thy_o defaute_n than_o shall_v i_o double_v thy_o pain_n also_o bring_v thou_o again_o my_o knight_n &_o restore_v to_o they_o their_o good_n &_o set_v they_o in_o their_o state_n and_o offyce_v as_o they_o be_v before_o and_o also_o seek_v diligent_o my_o greyhounde_n till_o y_fw-fr u._fw-mi find_v he_o and_o than_o bound_v he_o fast_o so_o that_o in_o the_o here_o after_o may_v be_v find_v no_o defaute_n and_o when_o y_a e_o steward_n hear_v this_o he_o bow_v down_o his_o heed_n &_o thank_v the_o emperor_n of_o his_o great_a mercy_n and_o than_o he_o go_v forth_o and_o seek_v through_o out_o all_o the_o empire_n so_o long_o till_o he_o have_v find_fw-mi the_o emperor_n daughter_n and_o the_o knight_n and_o also_o they_o greyhounde_n and_o bring_v they_o again_o and_o after_o that_o wed_a the_o young_a lady_n with_o great_a honour_n &_o joy_n â–ª_o and_o also_o restore_v again_o the_o knights_n good_n and_o at_o the_o last_o he_o end_v his_o life_n in_o peace_n and_o rest_n ¶_o this_o emperor_n betoken_v our_o lord_n jesu_n chryst_n his_o daughter_n betoken_v y_o e_o soul_n of_o man_n make_v at_o the_o similytude_n of_o our_o lord_n god_n and_o the_o u_o knight_n betoken_v the_o u_o wytte_n arm_v with_o y_o e_o virtue_n of_o baptym_a to_o keep_v â–ª_o the_o soul_n the_o master_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o knight_n be_v reason_n which_o ought_v to_o rule_v the_o wytte_n the_o greyhounde_n be_v the_o flesh_n of_o man_n the_o steward_n betoken_v every_o man_n to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v life_n and_o soul_n to_o keep_v under_o pain_n of_o lose_v everlasting_a life_n but_o a_o wretched_a man_n remember_v that_o be_v to_o come_v full_a often_o corrupt_v &_o defoul_v his_o soul_n by_o sin_n &_o dryve_v she_o from_o her_o palay_n of_o heaven_n &_o than_o go_v she_o from_o door_n to_o door_n that_o be_v to_o say_v from_o sin_n to_o sin_n he_o despoil_v these_o u_o knight_n of_o their_o good_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o u_o wytte_n of_o their_o virtue_n take_v away_o the_o lawful_a sight_n from_o the_o eye_n exhort_v they_o unlawful_o &_o also_o stere_a the_o ear_n to_o hear_v slander_v &_o backbyte_v &_o so_o forth_o of_o all_o y_fw-es e_fw-it other_o wytte_n &_o thus_o some_o be_v make_v thief_n &_o some_o manqueller_n the_o master_n of_o these_o u_o wytte_n be_v slay_v when_o so_o ever_o man_n be_v rule_v by_o will_n &_o not_o by_o reason_n the_o greyhounde_n that_o be_v the_o flesh_n wherein_o a_o man_n delyte_v be_v feed_v &_o bind_v with_o it_o the_o chain_n of_o reason_n which_o he_o breke_v full_a oft_o &_o ren_v out_o &_o do_v moche_n harm_n the_o come_v again_o of_o this_o emperor_n from_o y_z e_z holy_a land_n betoken_v the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesu_n chryst_n at_o the_o day_n of_o doom_n to_o deem_v all_o mankind_n therefore_o do_v we_o as_o the_o steward_n do_v accuse_v we_o first_o ourself_o of_o our_o sin_n least_fw-mi the_o devyl_n &_o the_o world_n accuse_v we_o &_o than_o it_o be_v to_o late_o to_o ask_v mercy_n therefore_o do_v we_o of_o our_o clothes_n betimes_o that_o be_v to_o say_v our_o sinful_a life_n &_o take_v we_o three_o rope_n in_o our_o hand_n the_o first_o rope_n y_o it_o shall_v bind_v our_o hand_n and_o foot_n betoken_v the_o rope_n of_o contrycyon_n which_o not_o only_o aught_o to_o bind_v our_o hand_n and_o foot_n but_o also_o our_o other_o membre_n both_o within_o and_o without_o so_o hard_a that_o the_o blood_n brace_v out_o on_o every_o side_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o sin_n may_v void_a hereto_o accord_v ezechiel_n say_v thus_o in_o quacumque_fw-la hora_fw-la egerit_fw-la penitentiam_fw-la pâ—tonrum_fw-la saluus_fw-la erit_fw-la when_o so_o ever_o y_fw-mi e_o sinful_a man_n do_v penance_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o second_o cord_n for_o to_o draw_v y_z e_o trespacer_fw-fr be_v confessyon_n which_o shall_v draw_v we_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o life_n unto_o this_o day_n by_o y_z e_z penance_n of_o our_o mouth_n unto_o the_o time_n that_o the_o flesh_n be_v fall_v from_o the_o bone_n that_o be_v to_o say_v till_o the_o lust_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o flesh_n be_v turn_v away_o by_o the_o stone_n of_o penance_n for_o in_o like_a wise_n as_o the_o stone_n by_o nature_n &_o kind_n be_v hard_a right_a so_o penance_n ought_v to_o be_v hard_a the_o three_o rope_n that_o shall_v hang_v the_o fellow_n be_v y_o e_o rope_n of_o satisfaccyon_n of_o
death_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o turment_n thou_o shall_v never_o have_v i_o to_o consent_v to_o such_o sin_n when_o he_o hear_v this_o he_o unclothe_v she_o all_o save_o her_o smock_n and_o hinge_n she_o up_o by_o the_o hear_v upon_o a_o tree_n and_o â—yed_v her_o stead_n beside_o she_o and_o so_o ride_v forth_o to_o his_o fellow_n &_o tell_v they_o that_o great_a hoost_n of_o man_n meâ—te_v he_o &_o take_v the_o empress_n away_o from_o he_o and_o when_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o this_o they_o make_v all_o great_a sorrow_n it_o befall_v on_o the_o three_o day_n after_o there_o come_v a_o earl_n to_o hunt_v in_o that_o forest_n and_o as_o he_o ride_v beat_v the_o brake_n there_o start_v a_o fox_n who_o his_o hound_n follow_v fast_o till_o they_o come_v never_o the_o tree_n where_o the_o empress_n hinge_n and_o when_o the_o dog_n feel_v the_o savour_n of_o she_o they_o leave_v the_o fox_n &_o run_v toward_o the_o tree_n as_o fast_o as_o they_o coude_fw-fr the_o earl_n sing_v this_o wonder_v great_o and_o spur_v his_o horse_n and_o follow_v they_o till_o he_o come_v where_o as_o the_o empress_n hinge_n when_o the_o earl_n see_v she_o thus_o hang_a he_o marvel_v great_o for_o as_o moche_v as_o she_o be_v right_a fair_a and_o gracious_a to_o behold_v wherefore_o he_o say_v unto_o she_o in_o this_o manner_n wise_n o_o woman_n who_o be_v thou_o and_o of_o what_o country_n and_o wherefore_o hang_v thou_o here_o in_o this_o manner_n wise_n the_o empress_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o full_o deed_n but_o in_o point_n ready_a to_o dye_v answer_v &_o say_v i_o be_o quod_fw-la she_o a_o strange_a woman_n and_o i_o be_o come_v out_o fro_o far_a country_n but_o how_o i_o come_v hither_o god_n know_v than_o answer_v the_o earl_n and_o say_v who_o horse_n be_v this_o that_o stand_v here_o by_o the_o bind_v to_o this_o tree_n than_o answer_v the_o lady_n â–ª_o and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v she_o when_o the_o earl_n hear_v this_o he_o know_v well_o that_o she_o be_v a_o gentylwoman_n and_o come_v of_o some_o noble_a kynrede_n wherefore_o he_o be_v the_o rather_o move_v with_o pyte_n and_o say_v unto_o she_o o_o fair_a lady_n thou_o seme_v of_o gentyll_a blood_n and_o therefore_o i_o purpose_v to_o delyver_v the_o from_o this_o mischief_n if_o thou_o wylte_n promise_v to_o go_v with_o i_o and_o nourysshe_v my_o fair_a young_a daughter_n and_o teach_v she_o at_o home_n in_o my_o castle_n for_o i_o have_v no_o child_n but_o only_o she_o &_o if_o you_o u._fw-mi keep_v she_o well_o thou_o shall_v have_v a_o good_a reward_n for_o thy_o labour_n than_o say_v she_o as_o farforth_o as_o i_o can_v or_o may_v i_o shall_v fulfil_v thy_o intent_n and_o when_o she_o have_v thus_o promise_v he_o he_o take_v she_o down_o of_o the_o tree_n and_o lead_v she_o home_o to_o his_o castle_n and_o give_v she_o the_o keep_a of_o his_o daughter_n that_o he_o love_v so_o moche_n and_o she_o be_v cheryssh_v so_o well_o that_o she_o lie_v every_o night_n in_o the_o earl_n chambre_n &_o his_o daughter_n with_o she_o &_o in_o his_o chambre_n every_o night_n there_o burn_v a_o lamp_n the_o which_o hinge_n bytwene_v y_o e_fw-la empress_n bed_n and_o y_z e_z earl_n bed_n this_o lady_n bear_v she_o so_o gentylly_a that_o she_o be_v belove_v of_o every_o creature_n there_o be_v that_o time_n in_o the_o earl_n court_v a_o steward_n which_o moche_n love_v this_o empress_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o oftentimes_o speak_v to_o she_o of_o his_o love_n but_o she_o answer_v he_o again_o &_o say_v know_v you_o dear_a friend_n for_o certain_a that_o i_o have_v make_v a_o solemn_a vow_n that_o i_o shall_v never_o love_v man_n in_o such_o wise_n but_o only_o he_o who_o i_o be_o great_o behold_v to_o love_n by_o god_n commandment_n than_o say_v the_o steward_n thou_o wylte_n not_o than_o consent_n unto_o i_o my_o lord_n quoth_v she_o what_o need_v the_o any_o more_o to_o ask_v such_o thing_n the_o vow_n that_o i_o have_v make_v true_o shall_v i_o keep_v and_o hold_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o when_o the_o steward_n hear_v this_o he_o go_v his_o way_n in_o great_a wrath_n and_o anger_n think_v within_o himself_o if_o i_o may_v i_o shall_v bewroken_v on_o the._n it_o befall_v upon_o a_o night_n within_o short_a time_n after_o that_o the_o earl_n chambre_n door_n be_v forgoten_a and_o leave_v unshette_v which_o the_o steward_n have_v anon_o perceyve_v and_o when_o they_o be_v all_o a_o sleep_v he_o go_v and_o espy_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lamp_n where_o the_o empress_n and_o the_o young_a maiden_n lie_v togyder_n and_o with_o that_o he_o draw_v out_o his_o knife_n &_o cut_v the_o throat_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o earl_n daughter_n and_o put_v the_o bloody_a knife_n in_o to_o the_o empress_n hand_n she_o be_v a_o sleep_v &_o nothing_o know_v thereof_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o when_o the_o earl_n awake_v he_o shall_v see_v y_o e_fw-la knife_n in_o her_o hand_n &_o that_o he_o shall_v think_v that_o she_o have_v cut_v his_o doughter_n throat_n wherefore_o she_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o a_o shameful_a death_n for_o his_o myschevous_a deed_n and_o when_o this_o damosel_n be_v thus_o slay_v and_o the_o bloody_a knife_n in_o the_o empress_n hand_n the_o countess_n awake_v out_o of_o she_o sleep_v and_o see_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lamp_n the_o bloody_a knife_n in_o the_o empress_n hand_n wherefore_o she_o be_v almoo_v out_o of_o her_o mind_n and_o say_v to_o the_o earl_n o_o my_o lord_n behold_v in_o yonder_o lady_n hand_n a_o wonderful_a thing_n anon_o the_o earl_n awake_v and_o behold_v on_o the_o empress_n bed_n &_o see_v the_o bloody_a knife_n as_o the_o countess_n have_v say_v wherefore_o he_o be_v great_o move_v and_o cry_v to_o she_o and_o say_v awake_v woman_n of_o thy_o sleep_v what_o thing_n be_v this_o that_o i_o se_fw-mi in_o thy_o hand_n anon_o you_o e_o empress_n through_o his_o cry_n awake_v out_o of_o she_o sleep_v and_o in_o she_o wake_v the_o knife_n fall_v out_o of_o her_o hand_n and_o with_o that_o she_o look_v by_o she_o &_o find_v the_o earl_n daughter_n deed_n by_o her_o side_n and_o all_o the_o bed_n full_a of_o blood_n wherefore_o with_o a_o huge_a voice_n she_o cry_v &_o say_v alas_o alas_o &_o wellaway_o my_o lord_n daughter_n be_v slay_v than_o cry_v the_o countess_n unto_o the_o earl_n with_o a_o piteous_a voice_n and_o say_v a_o my_o lord_n let_v that_o devyllysshe_a woman_n be_v put_v to_o the_o moo_v foul_a death_n that_o can_v be_v think_v that_o thus_o have_v slay_v our_o only_a child_n and_o when_o the_o countess_n have_v say_v thus_o to_o the_o earl_n she_o say_v to_o the_o empress_n in_o this_o wise_n the_o high_a god_n know_v that_o thou_o mischevous_a woman_n have_v slay_v my_o daughter_n w_o t_o thy_o own_o hand_n for_o i_o see_v the_o bloody_a knife_n in_o thy_o hand_n and_o therefore_o thou_o shall_v dye_v a_o foul_a death_n than_o say_v the_o earl_n in_o this_o wise_n o_o thou_o woman_n be_v it_o not_o that_o i_o drede_v god_n great_o i_o shall_v cleve_v thy_o body_n with_o my_o sword_n in_o two_o part_n for_o i_o delyver_v the_o from_o hang_a &_o now_o thou_o have_v slay_v my_o daughter_n nevertheless_o for_o i_o thou_o shall_v have_v no_o harm_n therefore_o go_v thy_o way_n out_o of_o this_o ciâ—e_n without_o any_o delay_n for_o if_o i_o find_v the_o here_o this_o day_n thou_o shall_v dye_v a_o evyll_n death_n than_o arise_v this_o woeful_a empress_n and_o do_v on_o her_o clothes_n and_o after_o leap_v on_o her_o palfrey_n &_o road_n toward_o the_o ee_v alone_o without_o any_o safe_a conduyte_o and_o as_o she_o ride_v thus_o mourning_a by_o y_z e_z way_n she_o espy_v on_o the_o left_a side_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o way_n a_o pair_n of_o galous_a and_o seven_o sergeaunte_n lede_v a_o man_n to_o the_o galous_a for_o to_o be_v hang_v wherefore_o she_o be_v move_v with_o great_a pyte_n and_o smite_v her_o horse_n with_o the_o spur_n and_o ride_v to_o they_o prayinge_v they_o that_o she_o may_v buy_v that_o mysdoâ—r_n if_o he_o may_v be_v save_v from_o death_n for_o any_o meed_n than_o say_v they_o lady_n it_o please_v we_o well_o that_o thou_o buy_v he_o anon_o the_o empress_n accord_v with_o they_o &_o pay_v his_o raunsom_n &_o than_o he_o be_v delyver_v thus_o say_v she_o to_o he_o now_o dear_a friend_n be_v true_a till_o thou_o die_v since_o i_o have_v delyver_v the_o from_o dethe_v on_o my_o soul_n quoth_v he_o i_o promise_v you_o ever_o to_o be_v true_a and_o when_o he_o have_v thus_o say_v â–ª_o he_o follow_v the_o lady_n still_o till_o they_o come_v nigh_o a_o cyte_n and_o than_o say_v the_o empress_n to_o